Use of Mind Maps in Formal Education

Mind-mapping is a visual or graphical thinking technique where a person puts down his ideas and thoughts in the form of a diagram. This graphical representation of thoughts not only allows a better organization of the information but also to comprehend and analyze it better. Mind-mapping has also proven to significantly improve a person’s memory and studies have shown that people using this technique have better recall than those who don’t.

Mind-mapping is by no means a new phenomenon. The use of visual aids and graphical representation in order to enhance learning and link thoughts and ideas has been on as far back as the 1960s. However it is only in the last decade or so that mind-mapping has begun to be used as a learning tool across various sectors like education, research, military and others.

Mind-mapping was originally created by a British psychologist and author named Tony Buzan. Being a major proponent of mental literacy, Buzan sought to exploit the way the human mind works and use it positively in a system which would enhance the learning process. Mind-mapping is simply a way for the brain to co-relate images and words to help in the process of absorption, analysis and recall of the information. The diagrams made also incorporate color as the brain reacts positively to color and process information a lot better.

The use of mind-mapping as an educational tool is varied. The most common use of this technique can be applied in any classroom where a student needs to take notes. From the central theme of the subject to the various headers and sub-fields within, all of these can be much more effectively taken down in a mind map than mere linear note taking. Another area where min-mapping is commonly used is during brainstorming sessions. The central idea to be worked is put into diagrammatic form and then as more ideas get tossed around, these are included into the diagram.

The use of the mind-mapping technique has also proven to be particularly effective in the case of people who suffer from learning disabilities like dyslexia as well.